Hammer and torch



July 16, 1957 J. MAXWELL HAMMER AND TORCH Filed Dec. 1, 1954 BY v 5 4M g? ATTORNEYS r 2,799,026 Patented .Iuly 1957 HAMMER AND TORCH John Maxwell, Elizabeth, N. J.

Application December 1, 1954, Serial No. 472,489 2 Claims. c1. 7-8) This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved unit, which combines with a hammer structure, a torch assembly.

Such a unit is especially useful in connection with body and fender work in automotive vehicles and where it is desired to straighten out dents or other damage to the parts. As is well understood, the procedure heretofore in connection with the correcting of difliculties in the sheet metal work of an automobile has usually involved the services of two men. One of these applies heat from a torch to the affected zone. When the metal has been properly softened, the other uses a hammer for purposes of straightening dents, lines of creasing, etc. This involves an expensive procedure which at best is quite time consuming.

By means of the present teachings, an assembly is furnished which in the hands of a single operator will enable that craftsman to heat a zone of sheet metal in order to shrink it. Thereupon, without the loss of any time, he may use the hammer portion of the assembly in order to straighten out the metal. This procedure may be rapidly repeated so that the work will be finished by the single operator in less time than is ordinarily necessary for this operation with two men employed on the same piece of work.

It is a primary object of the invention to provide an assembly which will include relatively few parts each individually simple and rugged in design and capable of ready association to furnish a tool which may be employed over long periods of time with freedom from all difiiculties.

With these and other objects in mind, reference is had to attached sheet of drawings illustrating one practical embodiment of the operation and in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the assembly.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof and Figs. 3 and 4 are transverse sectional views taken along the lines 33 and 4-4 respectively in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 2.

In these views, the numeral 5 indicates the head of a hammer which is provided with an operative or striking portion 6. These parts are preferably made of metal. A handle 7 of suitable length is secured to the head in any desirable manner. This handle may be formed of metal, heat-resistant plastic or any other suitable material. The handle and head serve as a mounting for a torch assembly suitable for softening metal.

That assembly conveniently includes a tip 8 which is preferably off-set at a suitable angle adjacent its end portion. The tip connects with a pair of conduits 9 and 10, the flow of fluid through which is controlled by valves indicated at 11. These parts in accordance with usual practice are preferably each formed of metal. Flexible hoses 12 are connected one to each of two tubes 9 and 10. One of these hoses may be coupled with a flask of acetylene. The other conveniently connects with a source of oxygen. According to the adjustment of valves 11, a flame of desired temperature will be generated at the outer end of tip 8. Also, thesize of this flame may, in accordance with conventional technique, be regulated.

In order to secure this assembly in operative association with the hammer a clamp 13 is provided as part of head 5 to extend above the-latter. The clamp receives the base of tip 8 andsecures it against displacement. The side faces of the handle 7 adjacent its rear zone may be grooved as at 14 to receive on its separate faces the ends of hose portions 12. In that zone, these elements are encircled by tubes 15 which prevent their being crushed or damaged. It will be observed that the grooves 14 throughout that portion of their bodies which are adjacent the rear end of handle 7 define in excess of a semicircle.

Accordingly, with the tubes or bushings 15 encircling the hose portions 12, the latter are confined against lateral displacement with respect to the handle. A closing plate 16 may be secured to the end of the handle to prevent any rearward movement of the bushings 15. Under these circumstances, it is apparent that a displacement of the hose elements is precluded. At the same time, by removing plate 16, bushings 15 may be slid rearwardly along the hose bodies. After this, the latter are freely removable from grooves 14. Forward movement of the bushings is, of course, precluded by the upwardly inclined portions of the grooves.

In order to maintain tip 8 in a position at which it is parallel to the axis of handle 7, a clip may be employed. This clip as especially shown in Fig. 3 includes a body 17 which may be formed of rubber and has two openings. The uppermost of these has a configuration corresponding to the preferably irregular sectional contour of the torch parts adjacent valves 11. The illustrated embodiment employs flutings 18. The second opening is of an area such that it may receive and snugly embrace the handle 7. A post portion 19 conveniently extends in a downward direction from the assembly to the rear of clip 17. This post engages with the surface of handle 7. Under these circumstances, it is apparent that the axes of that handle and the torch-tip assembly will be maintained in parallel relationship.

As will also be apparent, an operator using this tool will adjust valves 11 and ignite the combustible mixture flowing from tip 8. The resultant flame is played against the metallic surfaces which are to be softened. In so using the assembly, the handle 7 will serve as a proper manipulating part. Immediately, upon the metal having been softened, the contact portion of the hammer may be used to straighten the surface of that metal. In so using the tool, the operator will only have to shift the parts within his hand approximately Thus, a single operator may with facility perform both of the functions necessary in this type of work.

From the foregoing, it is obvious that among others, the several objects of the invention as specifically aforenoted are achieved. Obviously numerous changes in structure and rearrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim:

1. In a combination tool including a handle and a head secured thereto, the improvement comprising a resilient clip encircling said handle intermediate its ends and extending substantially perpendicular to the handle axis, said clip including an opening to receive a gas torch handle, a tip retaining clamp extending from said head and having an opening coaxial with the opening of said clip, said handle including a pair of diametrically opposed hose receiving grooves formed in its outer face, said grooves extending from the free end of the handle to a point substantially midway of its length, said grooves defining arcs in excess of a semi-circle and extending throughout its major length parallel to the handle axis, the portions of the grooves terminating substantially midway of the handle being angularly offset with respect to the major portions thereof, and a closing plate removably secured to the free end of the handle and partially overlying said grooves.

2. In a combination tool including a handle and a head secured thereto, the improvement comprising a resilient clip encircling said handle intermediate its ends and extending substantially perpendicular to the handle axis, said clip including an opening to receive a gas torch extension, a retaining clamp extending from said head and having an opening for receiving a portion of a gas torch, said handle including a pair of diametrically 0pposed hose receiving grooves formed in its outer face, said grooves extending from the free end of the handle to a point substantially midway of its length, said grooves extending throughout its major length parallel to the handle axis, the portions of the grooves terminating substantially midway of the handle being angularly offset with respect to the major portions thereof, and means removably secured to said handle and partially overlying the same for retaining hose Within said hose receiving grooves.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS D.108,709 Vaughan Mar. 8, 1938 2,046,733 Forsberg July 7, 1936 2,599,786 Schmeling June 10, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 218,840 Great Britain July 17, 1924 

